The Merrimac Juvenile Detention Center, serving our community's at-risk youth since 1997, is seeking a full-time, Direct-Care Detention Specialist to join our team of professionals. Our Detention Specialists are the front-line staff working with youth in the Center. The Merrimac Center offers employees a competitive benefits package as well as on and off-site professional trainings, advancement and lateral growth opportunities, and job specific skill development, all while serving our community. This application period will be closing on September 14, 2026.

Bona Fide Occupational Qualification:

The U.S. Department of Justice final rule of national standards to prevent, detect, and respond to prison rape under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 requires gender-specific supervision of juvenile detainees in specific circumstances.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Supervise the security and welfare of youth during their daily activities that include: school, recreation, meals, hygiene, searches, room checks, and other daily scheduled activities;
• Implement the outlined behavior management program;
• Assess emergency situations and respond to crisis;
• Facilitate cognitive behavioral group sessions and activities;
• Work independently and make decisions based on established policy and procedures
• Serve as a role model for youth
• Ability to perform physical restraints when necessary using the "Handle with Care" techniques.

See full job description on our website: www.merrimac-center.net

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or an associate's degree and two (2) years experience working with youth; or a high school diploma and four (4) years experience working with youth. Experience working with juveniles in a residential facility preferred. This position requires a background investigation to include criminal history, child protective services, sex offender registry records checks, and physical exam with drug test. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia driver's license in accordance with Virginia DMV driver's license eligibility requirements.

SCHEDULE

This position works rotating shifts on days, evenings, weekends and holidays. The 8-hour shift rotations are as follows: Two days shifts (7 a.m. -3 p.m.) then two evening shifts (2 p.m. -10 p.m.) and two days off. This schedule continues on an ongoing rotating basis.

ENTRY SALARY

$47,399/year, plus overtime when available, based on education and experience. This position also has a $2/hr weekend differential for weekend and evening hours worked.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS PACKAGE

includes:

• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health Insurance/Dental Insurance
• Retirement Plan (Virginia Retirement System)
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flex Benefits for Health Plan
• Health Savings Account

School and Funeral Leave Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $47,399.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person